Head Of NJ Prison Resigns After Reports Of Women Inmates Beaten

UNION, NJ — New Jersey Department of Corrections Commissioner Marcus O. Hicks announced his resignation Tuesday after a scathing investigation revealed multiple inmates were reportedly severely beaten by guards at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday New Jersey's only women's correctional facility would close as a result of the investigation. Read More: NJ Prison Closing After Women Inmates Were Beaten By Guards

Hicks' resignation will take effect Friday. Victoria Kuhn, Esq., current Chief of Staff for the Department of Corrections, will serve Acting Commissioner.

"It has been an honor and a privilege to have served the Murphy Administration and the people
of New Jersey as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Corrections for the past three
years," said Hicks. "I'm proud of the work we've done and wish our staff and individuals under our care well as the Department continues its mission to ensure safety and promote rehabilitation."

Murphy's administration released the investigative report Monday looking at cell extractions at the facility.

The investigation was launched following news of violent attacks on Jan. 11 and 12 at the women's correctional facility. These attacks included one inmate who was pepper-sprayed before five correctional officers entered her cell. She was then reportedly punched with a closed fist about 28 times in the face area while she was pressed against the cell wall. The woman had serious bodily injuries including a concussion and facial injuries. Read More: 3 Officers Charged After Women Inmates Beaten At NJ Prison

"I am deeply disturbed and disgusted by the horrific attacks that took place on Jan. 11. Individuals in state custody deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and the officers involved in this incident, both directly and indirectly, abused their power to send a message that they were in charge. The excessive use of force, as outlined in the report, cannot and will not be tolerated by my Administration," said Murphy previously.

Since the events on Jan. 11 a total of 10 correctional officers have been charged in connection. Read More: 4 More Officers Charged In Beating Of Women Inmates At NJ Prison

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